This week, pup parents and lovers celebrated International Dog Day. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing today’s Perfect Picture Book.
Title: Shy
Written By: Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated By: Eva Byrne
Publisher/Date: Abram’s Books for Young Readers/August2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: finding your voice, dogs, performance, theater, singing, shyness, music, rescue dog
Opening:
Shy was the smallest and quietest pup at the shelter. She seldom made a sound. Not at supper time. Not at walk time. Not even at playtime.
While the other puppies tumbled and yipped and yapped, Shy tucked herself into a small corner. The world felt big, loud, and a bit scary to her sweet and gentle soul.
Brief Synopsis: When young Shy hears her human playing piano, she tries to sing along.
Links to Resources:
· Learn these best practices to help a new rescue pup adjust to life in a family with children;
· Check out these fun kids’ songs to sing to, or with, your cat or dog;
· Describe your pup, or a friend’s pup, in pictures or words.
Why I Like this Book:
Based on Andrews’ actual singing dog Shy, Shy is a heartwarming story of a rescue pup who overcomes timidity when she sings along to her human’s performance on the piano.
As the story begins, a young man adopts Shy from a shelter. A composer and pianist, the man fills his days practicing piano. At first, when he hears Shy quietly woof and then break into a long “Ow-WOOOOOOO”, the man thinks the music bothers Shy. He tries leaving Shy in another room, distracting her with toys, tiring her out with long walks, and even building a doghouse in the garden. But Shy continues to “Ow-WOOOOOOO”.
Of course, when the big night arrives and the man leaves Shy in the dressing room of Carnegie Hall, you can guess what happens. I won’t spoil the ending, but a rousing “Ow-WOOOOO” may play a role.
Accompanied by Byrne’s soft dip pen and India ink illustrations including distinctively expressive eyes, Andrews and Hamilton’s lyrical text is a book to read and reread with little listeners who wonder how they can find their voices and share their talents with the world.
A Note about Craft:
As Hamilton recounted in a recent 12 x 12 podcast, the idea for SHY was based on Andrews’ real-life dog, Shy, who sang along as Andrews practiced. But singing along with a person is not enough for a picture book manuscript, even if that person is a famous, multi-award-winning entertainer. What to do? Up the stakes by adding a concert in a world-famous venue, more tension by showing the man’s attempts to distract Shy, and strategically-placed “Ow-OOOOOs” to engage little listeners during readings and rereadings.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 